Diablo Dish: Andy and Yu’s Arrives in Pleasanton

The Oakland Zoo gets a new hillside restaurant; Fenton’s adds summer ice-cream flavors; ESPN is broadcasting live from Lake Chalet for the NBA Finals; and The Peasant and the Pear hosts a wine dinner.

By Clay Kallam

Published: 2017.05.31 12:55 PM

Andy and Yu’s Announces Opening Date

It’s taken nearly two years for Andy Tsang to get all his ducks in a row and open the doors to the Pleasanton offshoot of his popular Uncle Yu’s restaurants in Lafayette and San Ramon, and he was hoping to ease his way into the Tri-Valley restaurant scene. “But there’s this thing called the Internet,” said Tsang, laughing—and word got out, so Andy and Yu’swill be making its debut tomorrow in downtown Pleasanton.

Opening on St. Mary Street in the space that formerly housed Fernando’s Mexican Restaurant, Andy and Yu’s will have a similar concept to the Uncle Yu’s restaurants, featuring gourmet Chinese cuisine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu will also offer organic items, grilled meats, and creative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Even though it’s going to be a push to get Andy and Yu’s ready by tomorrow, Tsang says, “It’s a good feeling to go back to work.” We’re sure Chinese-food fans will have good feelings about the new eatery, too.

(Update on Uncle Yu’s: Unfortunately, the location in San Ramon is still closed after a devastating fire on Christmas night and won’t be reopening for at least several months.)

Flying High—and Eating Well—at the Oakland Zoo

As part of the Oakland Zoo’s ambitious expansion, a new restaurant will open Monday in the newly constructed Kaiser Permanente Visitor Center. The Landing Cafe will sit 650 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of six Bay Area counties. Visitors can enjoy the vistas through the floor-to-ceiling windows while noshing on delicious California cuisine, such as wood-fired pizzas, artisanal burgers and sandwiches, and fresh salads. Ingredients will be locally sourced when possible, and beer and wine will be offered in the near future.

Getting to the cafe will be part of the fun, as a new gondola system will take visitors on a four-minute ride up to the three-story Visitor Center—which is part of the zoo’s latest expansion project: the California Trail. The new exhibit won’t open until 2018, but once it’s completed, it will double the current size of the zoo and feature eight new animal species that are native to California, including grizzly bears, American bison, jaguars, and gray wolves. The California Trail will also contain the Jim and Joy McMullen Kids Playzone, the California Conservation Habitarium, and the Clorox Outdoor Overnight Experience campground.

And if you want to ease into the afternoon, sample one of Doña Tomás’ margarita “especials.”

Need an Excuse to Go to Fenton’s?

If so, there are two new summer flavors available at the legendary Piedmont Avenue ice-cream parlor: key lime pie and banana Oreo.

We usually stick with the Fenton’s classics (the old-fashioned sundae with vanilla ice cream and chocolate and/or butterscotch syrup is perfection), but we may just have to give these new tempting options a try this weekend...

ESPN is Live at Lake Chalet for the NBA Finals

Want to be one of the 80 lucky fans that get to be a part of ESPN’s coverage of the NBA Finals? Start lining up at Lake Chalet early tomorrow morning.

ESPN’s First Take and The Jump will broadcast live from the Oakland restaurant on the day of and the day after all Warriors home games during the NBA Finals.

The first game kicks off tomorrow, so First Take will film from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and The Jump will run from noon to 1 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday. The other Warriors home games are scheduled for Sunday, June 4; Monday, June 12 (if needed); and Sunday, June 18 (if needed)—so you’ll have more than one chance to nab a spot in the audience.

Admission is free, and wristbands will be handed out one hour before each broadcast begins, but we’re sure the long line will start forming much earlier. (Note that the bands will be good for just one of the two daily shows.)

In addition to being part of the live audience, guests will have the opportunity to win some free giveaways—and of course, have a chance to show their support for the Warriors as they seek to unseat the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Peasant and the Pear Meets the Frank Family

Summer is in full swing now, and if you want to live it up on a Tuesday night, head to The Peasant and the Pearon June 13. The Danville restaurant is pairing up (so to speak) with Calistoga-based winery Frank Family Vineyards for an Early Summer Wine Dinner. The four-course meal will feature fresh California cuisine with wine pairings—all for a cool $85. Call the restaurant to make your reservation ASAP, as space is limited.